Testimonials

"You were and are a pioneer in dance as a healing art - I miss being in the dance with all my former improv partners...I still call on all the insights and lessons you shared along the way. You're a one of a kind coach!"-Student

“Thank you so much Michelle. I have always admired your gracious and open way with your life and with others.”-Maida Withers, Director of George Washington University Dance Programs

"Michelle Ava's Stretch and Flow class is a combination of yoga, stretches and dance moves. I always feel both refreshed and energized after attending this class. I have taken dance and fitness classes on and off for 30 years and Michelle is quite simply the best instructor I have ever met. She gives each student individual attention and uses just the right mixture of challenge, encouragement and assurance."-Liz, student 2011

"I wanted to thank you for your awesome workshop tonight! It was perfect for me at this moment. It is so rare to find an environment filled with fun, freedom, play and empowerment specifically for women. I loved practicing "listening" to my body and it was great to interact and share with the other participants and form a community."-Student

"Tonights 'Intro to Empowerment' series was awesome! It not only allowed me to flow with the energy my body needed, but it also helped me to identify where I was tense and holding back and to release and move freely in those areas (for me it was my neck shoulders and upper back).The other great portion of this session was the opportunty to talk out what we experienced in our movement. That was great because it gave me a chance to have an AHA! moment about some things and to also share how free and supportive the enviroment was; didn't have to worry about if a movement was right or wrong because it was a moment for me to work out in my space (body) whatever I needed, freely."-Michelle, Student

"I appreciate the opportunity to perform and present new pieces that I have choreographed to an audience. It scares me but it makes me grow. I admire your commitment to bring dance to the community and especially to bring dance to people who are essentially home-bound."-Mary, Student

“Last night’s SpiritMotion FUNraiser was just wonderful. I haven’t been to a party like that since I left New York. The music, the dancing, the performances–all great. I particularly liked your telephone improvisation piece.”-Judith, SpiritMotion participant and AVAdance student 2008

"You have brought the joy of dance back into my life and body and soul!" -Melissa

“Thank you for the Authentic Vibrant Awareness workshop. My dance has expanded. I have had the words ‘Authentic Vibrant Awareness’ crop up in my vocabulary so often lately; I think it’s in my blood.”-Jean, AVAdance student 2008

"My son Thomas started dancing late in life and was frustrated and discouraged that he would not be able to catch up, improve, or feel the confidence he needed to be comfortable in classes. After one session with Michelle, he expressed that he was feeling optimistic and that his self confidence in the class he took that week was more enjoyable and that the teacher noticed an improvement in his attitude and technique. Thomas is now taking contemporary, Jazz, and ballet classes 3 - 5 times a week and plans on auditioning for a youth dance company sometime in the near further. Michelle is a talented and gifted coach - assisting her students in reaching their full potential, having fun -while tailoring each individual class to accommodate the students personal goals, aspirations." - Pleased Parent of student

“My sessions with Michelle are awesome! She has helped me increase flexibility and gain a better sense of balance when I’m dancing. She helps you really get in touch with your body and guides you (gently) past old limits.”-Judith Lee, movement therapy client, August, 2007“It’s been years since I’ve practiced yoga regularly, so I was pleasantly surprised that I still had some flexibility. Michelle Ava’s Healing Motion and Movement relaxations class (or Weekend Wake Up as I like to call it) helped me rediscover the benefits of deep breathing, find center and loosening up. Besides increased mental and physical alertness and relaxation I have enjoyed better, more restful sleep after just one class and look forward to increased benefits in the future. The class style and atmosphere is warm and welcoming-great for even the shy and inhibited.”-Richard Miller, AVAdance Healing Motion student, 2006

“As a movement therapist in training, I look at Michelle as someone with tremendous skill and experience. Some of what she does with groups is simply excellent technique. The other is less simple. It is her intuitive ability. I don’t know how she does it, but she has a magical way of synchronizing the heartbeats of the members of the groups she leads.”-Christe Davis, yoga/dance student and instructorOctober 27, 2004“After class with Michelle, I always feel a sense of ‘walking on air’–strong, yet relaxed. I look forward to continuing my practice with her guidance for years to come. She has been a wonderful ‘ray of light’ that continually pushes me to be stronger, lighter, and more fluid.”-Kelly Callahan, June 10, 2004“You skillfully took the group to wonderful places in a short period of time. I think it was a wonderful connection. You are a dear soul, and it’s a delight to be around your spirited energy.”-Roger Telschow, Community for Spiritual Living, after a June 2002 workshop“Thanks for your efforts to create a space for the safe, wholesome, and creative experience of touch, something that I find so much missing in my life and in our culture. Your coaching in movement has helped me discover myself in a new way, and the experience of community through collective movement and expression is a new adventure for me. Yes, these programs do make a big difference in my life.”-Bob Rand, March 2002“I applaud your efforts at deepening and community-building through movement and dance experience. The SpiritMotion experience was very good for me. Just moving was good for me. Your program was very supportive and embracing, so I felt invited and encouraged to explore.”-Bob Rand, January 2002“Dancing and connecting with others is my favorite part of SpiritMotion gatherings. Community, good feelings, friends and fun will keep me coming back.”-Stephen Poplin, December 2001“The space felt peaceful and good for centering oneself. I have enjoyed both this past theme (Joy and Celebration) and gratitude in the previous SpiritMotion. It is nice to connect the theme to our participation–e.g. having us fill out and talk about what brings us joy. The decorations really make one feel that heart goes into the preparation. My favorite part? The ability of Michelle and the environment created by Spirit Motion to bring down barriers. Really like the eye contact, expressions of gratitude to each other one at a time. Rarely do we have this in our day-to-day lives. I like the movement and the balance of inner-time with group bonding time. I really liked the ‘play’ of the Gratitude SpiritMotion. Even though it is tough to do at first, I think performing in a loving environment is great for everyone–even the shyest of people. I will come back to have the chance to bond with others in a state of authenticity. GREAT ENERGY–this is a direct result of those involved giving their heart and soul to the endeavor. Michelle is a gifted facilitator.”-Brent Hurd, December 2001“Michelle Ava has been my yoga instructor once a week for over two years. She is able to hone in quickly on whatever is going on in my life, both emotionally and physically, and customize our workouts accordingly. She has seen me through some stressful times. Last year, we spent many months working on getting me in shape for my wedding. She incorporated weights into our yoga practice, and it shows in the wedding photos!”-Anonymous“I always wanted to dance. When I was younger, whenever I had the chance, I would stand in front of my mirror, turn on the radio and just “do my thing”…shake, sway and just have fun moving my body. I have not done that in years until I took Michelle’s class. I felt young and agile again. I love when she plays the oldies music, and have fun tapping my feet to the drum beat too! It is a fun and joyous day whenever she teaches class My body and mind clearer…I am foot loose and fancy free.”-Betty, age 83. (Senior Program student) “I like when Michelle asks us to listen to the music and then for us to be expressive in our body, move to the rhythms and then relax with gentle breathing yoga exercises. I am refreshed after class.” -Ethel, age 79. (Senior Program Student)